Studio Tour June 9 & 10 in Topanga

May 31, 2007 - By Rebecca Catterall

Don't miss the upcoming 2007 Artists' Studio Tour in Topanga. You will not be disappointed as you step inside the world of the 36 artists on the tour. And Topanga Canyon is an excellent backdrop to the tour. Not only will you see fine framed landscapes, but the breathtaking landscapes out your car windows will treat you as you drive from studio to studio.

You will be able to revisit studios that anchor the tour each year to see new directions and work by favorite artists. At Linda Bolhuis's studio not only will you be greeted by amazing views, but you will also see her demonstrating her famed painting on silk. And sharing her studio with jewelry and ceramics is Kathy Goldberg. You will step back in time when visiting Megan Geer-Alsop's treehouse-like studio where she makes ceramic and stained glass art. Brian Gibson's Zen-inspired garden will host not only his own paintings but also blown glass by Farideh Azad, paintings by Charisse Abellana, and ceramics by Karen Lovett. Just down the street are Robin Becker and husband James Chressanthis. While known as a director of photography for numerous films and TV, James will be showing some of his latest work that was also on display at a recent one-person exhibit at Arizona State University West Campus gallery. Robin is setting up a loom for weaving demonstrations and will show some of her photo-imagery-transfer-to-cloth pieces. Also showing at this site is painter and printmaker Peta Orbach.

Rebecca Catterall is hosting digital artist Yolanda Klappert and painter Kedrin MacKenzie at her studio. Rebecca just sold her collection of photo-transfer ceramic raku paint cans to the John Natsoulas Gallery in Davis where they will be included in an upcoming trompe l'oeil show. She will be giving demonstrations in various ceramic techniques. Even if you have seen Linda Vallejo's studio, which was a key design element in the home she and her husband built several years ago, you will want to see her latest work and talk about some of the recent shows she has been in.

Some of the artists new to the tour include Tony Dow who just finished a show at the gallery with Robin Feeley and Fae Horowitz (also on the tour). Tony will be exhibiting wood and bronze sculpture inspired by Topanga. Showing with Tony will be painter Barbara Kolo who just returned from a successful show in New York. Perhaps the easiest studio to find will be Bill Jehle's, which will exhibit paintings. He also recently returned from shows out of state. We also welcome three other artists who are neighbors but will be showing in their own studios. While many may know Marlene Frantz for her work with children's art, on the tour you will have an opportunity to see her paintings and mixed media. Neighbor Joyce Wisdom will display her manipulated painted canvasses and Roya Adjory, just back from the Venice Art Walk, will also display her paintings. Sculptor Jean Batiste's "Neo Tribal" series will be on display at his studio, which was inspired from carved beach stone and other found objects. And there are many more wonderful studios to see.

Even if you do not go on the tour, we invite all to the reception with the artists Saturday, June 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to the refreshments, there will be a silent auction of 8"x8" original works of arts by the artists. This is an excellent way to add to your collection, while supporting the gallery and the artists.

Tickets for the two days are just $20 and children under 16 are free. Advance tickets can be purchased until June 8 for just $15. Stop in the gallery or call (310) 455-7909 with your credit card number and pick up your tour book at Will Call on Saturday, June 9.

Topanga Canyon Gallery is located at 120 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard, #109, in Pine Tree Circle. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, contact the gallery at (310) 455-7909 or online at www.topangacanyongallery.com.